ROCK N ROLLING GO EXPERIENCE!!

Saturday was hot as F**k here in Hotlanta and it was freaking beautiful. Nothing better than getting some sun, a good workout, and a tan. As planned the OTR team, cool ass people, and I, met up at Skate Escape in Midtown to get rocking and rolling through the belt line. Our essentials this time around were Go Energy drinks and our Go Pro camera to document the experience. I had a super blast vibing out with fellow creative entrepreneurs such as my pal Justin from Hero The Band, Anastasia of Greigemarket.com, Nick from Buckhead Thread Designs, Convertible Bert, Kellye B, and other super awesome shakers.  Stay tuned for more Rock N Rolling Events near you!! Because the only way to live life is going forward and shaking up the atmosphere!! Hit play to check out the rolling experience!!

live create inspire

 

COOL SHADES ALERT!!!

Sunglasses: Ono Zebe of RA Collection | Textiles and Alchemy

Call me hunter of the cool, call me hunter of the good energy! However, what's even cooler is when you don't hunt and it's just served to you.  A friend of mine recently put me on to Textiles and Alchemy, a sunglass company that transcends the ordinary. Textiles and Alchemy is the science of deconstructing and reconstructing fabrics into wearable pieces of art. I'm a lover of the art as you know so I was totally digging all of their masterpieces.  They use textiles and fabrics from around the globe to create some of the coolest shades I've ever seen.  Ranging from vibrant pattern fabric glasses to bold and edgy shades of different shapes.  What I love best about Textiles and Alchemy is the meaning behind the brand and the mission.  I love how creative and in tune with the energy passed on from the maker to the product they are.  There seems to be an authentic feel to this brand.  I was gifted a pair of the Ono Zebe glasses from the RA collection.  I immediately fell in love!! For starters they're round which is my favorite sunglass shape, the zebra fabric is super cool and edgy, and they have these cool little shades over the shade that give them an extra unique look.  I specially like the packaging.  They come in a gold block case which made me feel like I was opening up an ancient Egyptian treasure or something.  Super cool man!! It's always really awesome to find brands with a deeper meaning than just someone trying to sell you something.  I plan on rocking the hell out of my shades and copping a few more styles soon.  Any who check them out if you dig them and stay elevated my friends!!

live create inspire

IN MY CRATEBOX: JOSHUA HEART- FAME TEASER

You should know by know that I always have my ears on a hunt for dope music.  Always excited to hear new sounds wether it's indie, up and coming, mainstream, whatever.  Music moves me!! I've heard about Joshua Heart plenty times, even saw him perform once and he blew my mind.  The kid had the energy, the moves like Jagger and an undeniable stage presence.  I'm excited to announce that we have a premiere here of his teaser promo video for his up and coming full length video for "FAME".  I love rock and roll so this visual got me pumped up.  So hit play and get excited about Joshua Heart.  I foresee many great things coming from him!

Named "the next Lenny Kravitz", Joshua Heart is a songwriter turned
"Hip-Rock" artists working with producers and artists such as Dark Child, Mariah Carey, Ciara, Quamé and HItBoy just to name a few. 

Fresh of this years A3C Hip-Hop stage, Joshua Heart has the charisma and tenacity to capture the masses like a pro!  

With the vocal soul reminiscent of Fred Durst and Steven Tyler, Joshua Heart produces a unique balance between alternative Rock and R&B 808 Beats. 

Today Joshua Heart released one of his Official EP Promo Music Video "FAME" and premiered his EP titled "The Heart and The Soul" now available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, GooglePlay, Soundcloud and various online radio stations.

live create inspire

IT'S OK TO HIT THE PAUSE BUTTON! GRAB A MIMOSA! RELAX PLEASE

So you want to take over the world? You feel invincible, you are ambitious, driven, hungry, a worrier warrior, a dreamer doer , on your best day you'll give Batman or Wonder Woman a run for their money, you are a tenacious creature ready to conquer, but what happens when life kicks your ass and reminds you that you my friend, are also HUMAN!? The correct answer would be, "FIGHT BACK!" But I have come to tell you that fighting back is not always the way! I know that you are a hardcore, mega strong person that refuses to give in, trust me, I am too, however in these past weeks I had a moment of enlightenment and I want to share it with you!

HEY LOOK!! IT'S MY REEL!!!

Hello!!!!!!!

So, I finally got around to putting my correspondent/host reel together from 2013-2014!It's been a wild, exciting ride. I am so excited to accomplish so much more in the next coming months! There's work to be done and adventures to be seeked!! Here it is!!

LIVE.CREATE.INSPIRE!!

OFFTHARECORD CHATS- WHAT THE F**K IS LOVE?

"The handling of the heart's a very delicate art cause it's paper thin." -Jay Electronica (Eternal Sunshine)

Love, loove, looove! It seems that everywhere I turn and out of 80% of the convos my girlfriends want to have, the topic is always 'love'.  Whether it's an urgency to find the love of their life, dealing with 'bae' (I hate that word) drama, or crying their eyes out after dealing with heartbreak 'love' takes priority! Love seems to have a hold on us.  Now I'm quite aware that love strikes all of us at one point or another, trust me I've been there before!  However, as the years have passed my perspective has changed.  It has shifted to the point to where my friends don't dare ask for my advice because they know my response will most likely be, "Fuck it, life goes on" "Shit happens" "Love your damn self," or "Don't hide how you feel, tell him/her they fucking hurt your feelings and you're gonna kick him/her in the gut or balls!"  I am however an advocate of freedom of choice.  Choose how you want to feel, choose to be in love, choose to believe in love in the form that you choose to.  We all have different perspectives of life and that's what makes this world beautiful, what a boring world it would be if we were all the same!

COLOR FUN FEST 5K RECAP

 It was something as fascinating as colorful rain pouring from the sky!! Except it wasn't rain, but there was clouds and clouds of neon greens, electric yellows, hot pinks, and every color your happy mind can imagine. The energy was felt at high levels as hundreds of lively runners gathered to participate in the coolest 5k in the world, 'The Color Fun Fest 5k'.  Luckily we had the honor to experience this exciting event thanks to our Color Fun Fest friends!! This epic color run took place May 31, 2014 at Turner Field here in Atlanta.  The 7 pm run seemed a little slow since the weather hit us with a storm, but it didn't stop runners from showing up.  Eventually the rain let up and the 9pm  run turned out to be a success! The team and I had a blast! We danced along to the electric dance music the DJ was dishing out,  we ran, we got paint in the most random places, places a girl should never have paint in, but it was totally worth it!!  The hour I spent in the shower gave me ample time to reflect on how awesome of a time I had! Being a seeker of cool ways to work out I plan on making this a yearly experience.. The next Atlanta run is right around the corner in September so start gearing up to be in attendance and have one heck of a time and remember to LIVE-CREATE-INSPIRE!!

Stay informed about the 5k run here-----> COLOR FUN FEST

GET COLORED!! COLOR FUN FEST 5K IN ATLANTA

It's time to get colorfully messy!! The Color Fun Fest 5K comes back to Atlanta on May 31st. Color Fun Fest brings the Holi Festival and the electronic dance movement together for the first time with a day and night glowing color 5K run. As day transforms into night and the dust settles from the day color run, we power up the strongest blacklights in the world to transition our day color run into a nighttime 5k color run festival called Color Fun Fest. You know I will be there dancing and filming this awesome experience. Tickets for this event are $45 but since I love you I have a promo code for you to get them for just $20!!!! No excuses meet me there and remember to LIVE! CREATE! INSPIRE! Get your tickets HERE  
Promo Code: OFFTHARECORD 

Find out more about Color Fun Fest 5K at www.colorfunfest5k.com

SO DAMN HOTTTT!! 8 SPRING/SUMMER MUST HAVES

"SAMOFFTHARECORD SUMMER MUST HAVES!"

The birds are chirping, the grass is greener, the april showers hydrated the land, the may flowers are here, the pollen has activated our hellish allergies, and the sun is beaming… All that to say… spring is here and SUMMER IS COMING!!
While I’ve been busy working on my show, writing away, absorbing all the music my ear buds can handle at festivals, concerts and in my room I seem to have forgotten that it is time to update my closet, spice things up and get ready for the new! I put a list of Summer Must Haves, my summer wish list consists of articles I’ve been craving to get my hands on… And it goes like this…

1. Illesteva Round Acetate Sunglasses in Red $260 I'm a fan of round frames and I usually go with simple black or gold rim shades.  This summer I want to be bolder.  These red round frames are the perfect balance of chic, edge, and fun.

2. Dolce by Dolce & Gabbana $90 Because when I opened up a sample of "Dolce" the new fragrance it slapped me and screamed "SUMMER!" Dolce is a feminine mix of white flowers introduced by the freshness of Neroli leaves and defined by the full-bodied scent of White Amaryllis, a South African flower used for the first time ever in scent.

3. Molly Water $7 a bottle  No, it's not what you're thinking! 

Molly Water is a premium magnesium alkaline mineral water that is designed to assist in regulating your body’s pH balance. I heard about it from friends in my hometown of AZ, which is where this product originates from. I plan on getting my hands on this and finding out what the buzz is all about.

4.  Jackson V-Tee in Bright White by Rag & Bone $80 The perfect white tee! Now I know it sounds unreasonable to splurge $80 on a white tee but not on the perfect white tee.  I learned from my very fashionable best friend that investing on a durable, good quality basic tee is essential.  You can dress it up, dress it down.  Wear it to the office or the party.  A good white tee is a classic, timeless canvas so why not have the perfect one on deck?

 

5.  Republik Vegan Leather Sandal $148 I became obsessed with these gladiator sandals while exploring Free People's new arrivals.  I love the adjustable buckles and overall look.  They are statement shoes!

 

6. The Queen Is King Necklace on Classickness Vintage $32 Because it's such a beautiful, versatile, bohemian piece!! 

7. Corazon- Carlos Santana Deluxe Album $13.99  It only took 40 years for one of my favorite musicians of all time, Santana, to make his first latin music album which includes collabos with some amazing artists like Miguel, ChocQuibTown, Lila Downs, Gloria Estefan, Fabulosos Cadillacs, Juanes, Ziggy Marley, Niña Pastori, Diego Torres, Samuel Rosa of Skank, Cindy Blackman Santana, Romeo Santos, Soledad, Wayne Shorter, and more. I'll be playing this all summer long!!

What are your summer must haves?

OUTKAST EXCLUSIVE PERFORMANCE AT COUNTERPOINT

Photos & Video by Brent  D. Gates

"The south has something to say," famous  words hollered by Big Boi at the Source Awards in 1995. Flash forward 20 years and the people in the south are at the edge of their seat waiting anxiously despite extreme weather conditions to hear the South's most beloved duo say something! 

The past three days at the Counterpoint Festival 2014 at Kingston Downs, GA have been something close to magical, full of excitement, bare breasts & asses, and a musical lineup that has left me in a trance (full recap coming soon). 

However, there is no denying that masses poured in at the last minute, others camped out and some held their spot for hours near the Blue Freedom stage to witness history! It would be safe to say that 90% of the people present were here to see Outkast. 

SOTR EXPERIENCE "WE WILL ROCK YOU!" SEASON 1 FINALE @ ATLANTA ROCK OF AGES

SOTR Experience| "We Will Rock You!" Season Finale @ Atlanta Rock Of Ages from OFFTHARECORD on Vimeo.

SOTR EXPERIENCE SEASON FINALE "WE WILL ROCK YOU!"

Greetings Friends,

I come in peace. Today is a good day! Actually a GREAT day! Today is"The SamOffThaRecord Experience" Season 1 Finale. In this episode I take you into a place where dreams collide, great minds intertwine, good energy abides and creative forces unite, all in the name of love, music, art, progress, and change! No great thing was ever accomplished by just one person alone. It takes unity to create a shift, to begin a revolution. Welcome to Atlanta Rock Of Ages.

ROCKSTAR DUST FELL!! RAHBI RAW SANG HIS HEART OUT! I DANCE WITH 2 LEFT FEET! RAHBI SHOW RECAP

Magic!! Magic!! Magic!! I've said it before and I'll say it again, Rahbi is Magic!!

Glitter, or should I say "Rockstar Dust" fell upon us at Apache Cafe last Friday. I ended up on the stage dancing with my two left feet and Rahbi sang his ass off all while giving us people present, life!!

I introduced you to Rahbi and The Raw Band in a previous webisode of "The SamOffThaRecord Experience". Haven't seen it? Watch HERE . With an upcoming video release sure to provoke our thoughts, blurr lines, and inspire minds, Rahbi gave Atlanta an unforgettable show, but enough chatter. Hit play to watch my mini recap and stay tuned for his video release!!

THE INTERNET PERFORM AT THE LOFT IN ATLANTA

           Video edit by Brent Gates

"The Internet Take Over The Loft"

Unorthodox! Radical! Avant-garde! Those are the words that came to mind when I witnessed The Internet perform at Atlanta's intimate music venue, The Loft, last week.
A soft, delicate, and passionate sound filled the room seducing every ear in the audience. Taking center stage stood a slim, fresh-faced, Syd the Kyd with a laid back, west coast swagger and the voice of an angel! Standing to her right was Matt Martians accompanying her with the congos and key strokes and behind her the rest of the band jamming away, creating a warm, pleasant, vibe-heavy atmosphere.
The Internet's fusion of experimental jazz and neo soul create such a unique sound which makes you feel good.  "Feel Good" in fact is the title of their latest project from which they performed several songs from.
To hear such a warm, melodic jazz sound project from this 5 member band is truly radical.  Nothing you would expect from Odd Future.  I won't say why... I'll show you... Check out the mini video recap above and enjoy the dope shots I captured below!

Find out more about The Internet here.
               
                                                      

BEHIND THE SCENES: WATCH THE DUCK x T.I. "GIRLFRIEND" VIDEO SHOOT

     All Photos Shot by: Brent Gates

What the duck is going on?

ALL HAIL THE KING! COP YOUR K-DOT TEE

                                                     K-Dot Parody Tee (Buy One Here)  

                       "ALL HAIL THE KING!"                      

All hail the King!! I'm sure by now you must all be aware of my undying love for K-Dot.  I'm sure that if your taste in music is anywhere near decent you've got love for him too!

Last month I received the coolest K-Dot parody tee which makes reference to  some of his most controversial, pot-stirring bars from "Control".  I've been wearing the hell out of it every time I find the chance.  Everywhere I go, everyone asks, "Where did you get that shirt?!"  Well, no need to wonder anymore.  I've got you covered.  This tee is perfect for cool chicks and dudes who love comfy, dope tees and good music.  Cop yours for only $25 (free shipping anywhere in the US) HERE.


Wore my K-Dot Tee while riding my scooter around the city with my favorite baggy Levi's 511, a checkered flannel, and my all white converse all stars.

    photos by: Brent Gates

live.create.inspire

SOTR EXPERIENCE x RAHBI & THE RAW BAND (Season 1 Episode 4)

SOTR Experience | "I Don't Wanna Grow Up" feat Rahbi & The Raw Band Season 1 Ep. 4 from OFFTHARECORD on Vimeo.

'SOTR EXPERIENCE X RAHBI & THE RAW BAND'

Meet Rahbi (lead singer), JFly (md/drummer), Chris Harris (lead guitar), MoDre(bass), DaeDae (keys) , Emi Morris & Jaysings (backing vocals)!! They are RAW!
This week I present to you my latest episode from "THE SAMOFFTHARECORD EXPERIENCE".  I ran, I swung, I went down a slide, and I danced while glitter fell from the sky with one of the most amazing, talented and creative bands in Atlanta, Rahbi and The Raw Band.  We took over the playground and turned it into a memorable & magical mini concert right in the heart of the city. 
In a world where the masses have lost their ability to dream, Rahbi and The Raw Band show us that it is possible to make your dreams a reality by working hard, believing, and uniting with like minded individuals. Not only are they Super Rockstars who rock stages alongside artists like Janelle Monae, but a powerful group of individuals who's goal is to "inspire minds, blur lines, and inspire people to live their purpose." They are The Raw Band and they are here to conquer the world. Hit play and remember to
LIVE.CREATE.INSPIRE!!

Featured song: Flick by Rahbi & RAW|  Like it Grab Music Here
Keep up with Rahbi via his twitter, instagram and youtube!

GET A WINTER SKIN GLOW WITH AN ORGASM! MY WINTER OBSESSION

                                    Nars Illuminator| Orgasm Peachy Pink With Shimmer ($30)

Well, it's still winter and while I'm impatiently waiting for spring to make it's debut, I've been in a tough battle against dry, ashy skin!! Which is probably a battle that many of you may also be facing. Ladies, don't worry, I've maneuvered my way around my tomboy ways and found a beauty secret to give you a summer glow in the pit of this cold winter. Through the years I've experimented with many different bronzers to give my face a little spark and had never been fully satisfied with any of them. This year while I was in New York my best friend introduced me to an illuminator that changed my life! I've had people compliment me on the daily about my glowy skin and asking me why I'm always so radiant. Nars Cosmetics Illuminator "Orgasm" Peachy Pink With Shimmer is the perfect cosmetic to achieve beautiful, radiant, perfect, glowy skin.


The glow is so pretty and natural! The pics below are unedited and unfiltered.

This liquid illuminator is so sheer yet light reflecting enough to give you a natural organic glow instead of looking like a disco ball like other bronzers or illuminators with shimmer I've used. Although this has shimmer, it's naturally subtle which is pretty amaze-balls if you ask me. I use it everyday over my Dior foundation or Mac foundation. I only apply a few drops on each cheek and it's enough to light me up. Of course on occasions where I want to show up and show out to an evening party I dab a little extra on my cheeks, temples, and eyelids. Nars carries this awesome illuminator in 4 shades suitable for all types of skin tones. Since I have an olive medium skin tone, I prefer the Orgasm shade. This liquid glow can be worn under, over and mixed with your daily foundation and you don't even have to worry about breakouts since it's non-comedogenic. The tube is only $30 and it lasts for months since it only takes a few drops to get an intense glow. Now that you know my secret to my winter glow, try it out for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

P.S. Remember that although you can fake a glow, the best glow is the one you radiate by thinking positive,spreading good energy, being happy, eating healthy, resting well, drinking plenty of water daily and by being the best possible version of yourself! Let your soul glow!!

THE SOTR EXPERIENCE: "IT WAS ALL A DREAM" SEASON 1 EPISODE 3

SOTR Experience| "It Was All A Dream" Season 1 Episode 3 from OFFTHARECORD on Vimeo.


THE SOTR EXPERIENCE: "IT WAS ALL A DREAM" SEASON 1 EPISODE 3 

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." Harriet Tubman Hello Everybody!!!! It is my pleasure to share with you the third episode of this season and the first one in this new beautiful year of 2014! Many have asked about the inspiration behind the project and what my mission is. What better way than to show you? This episode had me a bit nervous and hesitant due to the fact that it's my personal experience. In this episode I take you in to get a closer look at my life as a dreamer and doer in Atlanta and the place that has inspired me enough to keep on reaching. This is my personal experience! Come into a little piece of my world and see the side of me that I have not shown. After all we are all human and dreamers in this world. I thank all of you who support my project and take the time to watch it, share it and spread it. Your feedback is always welcome and appreciated with an open mind and heart. Hit play and then get out there and LIVE-CREATE-INSPIRE!!

P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to our new Vimeo Channel! Also find us on YouTube 

 

BRING IT ON 2014!! HASTA LA VISTA 2013....

 

 2013 OFFTHARECORD RECAP

There is no magic in the number of a new year.  The magic lies within the mind of those who are ready to create new opportunities, think new ideas, explore new places, face new challenges, conquer new fears, and climb to new heights. 

2013 has come and gone in the blink of an eye but not without leaving us with memories, some sweet and some not so sweet.  For many of us it's a time of reflection and introspection.  As I scanned the walls of my mind early this morning as well as the photo archives in my phone, I arrived at my conclusion of 2013. 

SAMOFFTHARECORD X HERO THE BAND SEASON 1 EXPERIENCE 1- "SPREADING POSITIVE ENERGY WITH HERO"

"SOTR X HERO THE BAND"

There are two types of people in the world, those who dream and hope the world will change and those who change the world. It is my mission to present those who not only dream but have the courage to take the road less traveled in pursuit of their purpose.  Since I met my friends, Hero The Band, I was certain that these dreamers would change and shift the world in a positive way.  They're not only Rockstars, they're also superheroes who make the world brighter each day by simply being true to their art and themselves.   
Two weeks ago I introduced you to my latest project/webshow 'THE SAMOFFTHARECORD EXPERIENCE' (SOTR) in collabo with BlvckLvb Media. We kicked  it off with Vintage Nation, This time around we took it to the streets with some of my favorite creatives in Atlanta, Hero The Band. With the wind in our hair, our feet to the pedals, and our positive energy in full effect we embarked on a bike ride along the Atlanta belt line. 
Hit play and continue to LIVE-CREATE-INSPIRE!!

KEEP UP WITH THE HEROES AT www.herotheband.com

                                                            PEACE LOVE & LIGHT